Chi Cheng Deftones still in coma

Deftones bassist Chi Cheng still remains in a coma following a November car accident but has now been moved to a d!tterent hospital for long-term care, according too new post on the band ’s my space page. The post stated, "Chi remains in a coma and as of this morning there ’s been no significant change in his condition. Last week he was moved out of the Intensive Care Unit and transferred to a brain rehabilitation hospital in Northern California. The hospital specializes in the care and management of traumattc and nontrauma related brain injuries with a team of highly skilled therapists, nurses and consu~ants. He ’s in great hands. Please continue to pray for our brother and thank you all for your love and support."

http://www.drummedia.com.au/

January Events: San Sebastian's Drum festival

March to the beat of San Sebastian ’s drum festival, held every year on January 19 and 20 Flasses of drummers, lots of noise, plenty of fun

Jamie waits for her wish

WHEN it comes to wishes Jamie Whitworth can ’t choose between a new phone, a drum kit or a guitar.

The 15-year-old from Pitt Town, who suffers from spina bifida and hydrocephalus, is one of almost 200 sick children waiting for a Starlight Wish.

She was originally considering a trip to the Gold Coast to see the dolphins, but has decided she wants something she can keep.

"I like listening to music, so I ’d like to have a go at getting into it," she said.

"I don ’t want to just go on a holiday, which you get for a short period of time, then it ’s gone." Jamie said her conditions affected her daily life and had resulted in learning difficulties.

Where others her age may pick up on new information quickly, she takes longer and needs the information to be given in smaller doses to understand.

She also has kidney problems and easily falls prey to infection.

Her balance problems prevent her from taking part in normal teenage activities, such as gymnastics and contact sports, as do the shunts in her head.

"I have to be careful not to get hit on the heath" she said. ~I have to be careful notto get hit on the head. It can cause a clot, which can make fluid run to the head "It can cause a c1ot~ which can make fluid run to the head.

"I go to hospital at least once every one or two months." Her mum Lyn said Jamie was born with spina bifida.

"We didn ’t know anything about it so it was a bit of a shock," she said.

"We ’ve learned to live with it, so we don ’t know any different now." Jamie and Lyn encouraged all people to donate to the Starlight Children ’s Foundation.

"It ’s a really good cause for kids struggling to get through day-today life," Jamie said.

"It will help give a kid a smile on their face." You can help grant Starlight wishes to seriously ill children across Australia by making a donation or purchasing the gift of a Starlight donation for someone you love via Starlight ’s website www.starlight.org.au

By Caryn Metcalfe
http://penrith-press.whereilive.com.au/

Holiday fun at city’s libraries

Be prepared for a real treat these Christmas holidays, because Cessnock and Kurri Libraries have put together an exciting program that includes everything from djembe drums to mini putt-putt golf to tapdancing! In response to the growing popularity of drumming in the community, both Abermain and Weston Public Schools are running very well-attended drumming lessons - the libraries will be hosting an African drumming and percussion workshop hosted by Benjie Williams, master drummer and experienced teacher.

Besides an infectious enthusiasm and a passion for what he teaches, Benji brings along enough djembes (African drums) for each participant to have their own drum to beat at the workshop! "Earthen Rhythms" drumming workshop will be at Kurri Library at lOam on Wednesday, January 14 and Cessnock Library at 2pm the same day The workshop is suitable for childen aged seven and upwards.

The following week the Libraries are presenting the multi-talented Mic Conway and his all-singing, all-dancing show "TV or not TV", in which Mic shows the endless possibilities for fun and creativity if you just switch off the TV.

You ’ll be treated to an old-time radio show a mini-melodrama, magic, circus, bush and Aboriginal music, as well as a quick lesson on how to make music with everyday household objects.

Mic Conway is a well-known performer, one of the co-founders of Circus Oz, who has many year ’s experience in music theatre film television and theatre-in-education. Mic Conway ’s show "TV or not TV" will be at Cessnock Library at lOam on Wednesday, January 21 and Kurri Library at 2pm that afternoon.

Besides these two exciting performers, there will be a variety of craft activities (including making a mini putt-putt golf course), storytimes and, of course, the popular Summer Reading Program, which kicks off in the last week of term.

So, come in and pick up a program from either Cessnock or Kurri Kurri Library and plan your holidays with our help! Numbers are strictly limited for all sessions and tickets can be purchased from the library you wish to attend.

http://cessnock.yourguide.com.au/

Susnjar a Miami sound machine

WORLD-CLASS jazz drummer Daniel Susnjar is making a brief return trip to his hometown of Perth after beginning his push into the US music scene.

The WAAPA graduate from North Perth is completing his Master of Music studies at the University of Miami (UM), where he has already made an impact in the four months he has been living there.

The trip was made possible through a $30,000 Young People and the Arts International Scholarship, enabling Susnjar to attend the university ’s acclaimed Frost School of Music.

The Department of Culture and the Arts awards the $30,000 scholarship annually to an outstanding artist aged 29 or younger to study overseas.

All up Susnjar will spend two years at what he describes as "one of the best music schools in America".

"Studying in Miami has been an incredible experience for me," Susnjar said.

"Through tiM Fve had the opportunity to perform with a host of world-class artists including saxophone icons Joshua Redman and Jeff Coffin of the Dave Matthews Band, bass virtuoso Steve Bailey, trumpeter Greg Gisbert and pianist Shelley Berg." Since arriving, Susnjar has established himself as the premier drummer at the school and is working his way into Miami ’s vibrant music scene.

While in Perth, Susnjar will perform with his band playing world groove music at Kulcha in Fremantle on January 9 from 8pm and at bamBoo in Mt Lawley on January10 from 7pm.

Susnjar will also hold a workshop at North Perth ’s The Drum Shop on January 9 from 2-4pm, sharing the secrets of overseas success and the US music scene.

"Having the opportunity to present a workshop at The Drum Shop is awesome," he said.

"It gives me a chance to consolidate what I ’ve been learning at UM and also to help out local musicians."

http://www.stirlingtimes.com.au/